Suggest a 302HO or 4.6 in 96 Ranger 2wd?..

[LGM]

Hi folks,

Looking for some input from someone who's been down this road. I'm about 99% convinced I'm ready to do some upgrades to my 96 Ranger 2wd 4banger 5 speed. Just need a little more power. SO, I'm looking for recomendations and guidance on which direction I should go.

First I'm in the Texas Panhandle - Amarillo, TX I'm not looking for outragous performance and I do need it to be streetable - including AC and heat.

I've got pretty decent deals on two possible doners.

The first is a 1996 4.6 from a mustang. It is engine, harness and computer only. No tranny, brakets or acessories. Advantages of this swap are keeping the ODBII capabilities - drawbacks tracking down a tranny, accessories and other items I might need for the swap. Also, I know the 4.6 is a good bit wider and creates some fitment issues in keeping the AC/heat options.

The second option is a 1986 Lincoln MKVII with a 302HO/AOD combo. Advantages -this is a complete running car, and has all accessories and I can take my time stripping whatever parts I might need from it. The 302 is easier to fit? Disadvantages - No ODBII capabilities (Is it possible to add ODBII capability to the 86?)

I'm leaning towards to MKVII 302HO w/AOD, but I'm concerned about the legalities of the swap. Where I'm at in Texas there's no smog testing, but I believe the rule is whichever year is newer (engine or chassis) determines the emissions equipment required. IE the 86 would have to have the same emissions equipment as the 96, since the chassis is a 86.

So, there you have it - any suggestions? (I know this question has been asked, but I didn't come across anyone asking about the emissions aspects. Not sure if that means I shouldn't worry about them or if it's just "no big deal")

4.6, 302HO or keep shopping for a more suitable doner?

Thanks for all the feedback,

L.G.M.

 

[Teddyzee]

the Licoln engine would be good, but the harness is huge. check out www.grannysspeedshop.com (an rx7 v8 site). There is a write up of a guy using a Lincoln harness if you go that way.

The Mustang '87-'93 harness' can do complete diagnostics as well.

Best option for you- Find a 1996 Ford explorer 5.0

You get the HO engine, wiring is very minimal, as it uses the same engine to body 42pin connector as your truck. The Explorer has the shortes front accessories, so you do not need to move your rad, and can keep your AC.

 

[fordmike1]

Are you sure of the year on the Lincoln as Lincoln didnt make a 96 MK VII with a 5.0. Lincoln dropped the MK VII in 90 and started with the MK VIII in 91 and that came with a 4.6l DOHC engines.

 

[baddad457]

Are you sure of the year on the Lincoln as Lincoln didnt make a 96 MK VII with a 5.0.

He said it was an 86 not a 96

 

[fordmike1]

Damn it I hate when that happens.

 

[baddad457]

Want to borrow my reading glasses ?

 

[LGM]

Thanks Teddyzee, I appreciate the feedback. If I'm understanding this, your saying best bet is 96 explorer, second option would be the mkvii, with heavy mods to the harness or changing the harness to a mustang harness, correct?

Damn, not sure if I'm glad I quit hotrodding before computers ran the world or wishing I'd stayed with them so I'd have a better handle on the spaghetti....LOL.



Thanks again,
L.G.M.

 

[Teddyzee]

The spahgetti is easy.

If you're new to this, buy the manual here for your year

http://www.harwoodperformance.bizland.com/

It's based on a '93 Mustang harness, but all the Mustang wiring is free online, and it's easy to compare to whatever you end up with.

I say '96 Ex because it has no PATS, it has GT40 non-P heads, so headers are easy, it has the shortest front accessories, and the wiringf plugs right in, almost.

But usibng a Mustang harness with any 302 is easy, too.

 

[bobbywalter]

Are you sure of the year on the Lincoln as Lincoln didnt make a 96 MK VII with a 5.0. Lincoln dropped the MK VII in 90 and started with the MK VIII in 91 and that came with a 4.6l DOHC engines.

mk7 went to 92. mk 8 started 93.


i would use the mk7 engine..if those two choices of stang 4.6 or mk 5.0 were free

definatly need to run a stout build and be-controls vb in the aod with a fresh converter



but uhhh....if those choices were more then 500 bux, my first choice would be a ls 6.0...or a lter 6.2......

most v8 sploders in the junkyard are cash for clunkered to death.....but you can pull the accessories and pcm wiring easy enough and make the mk7 appear emission compliant...if you go with some nice aftermarket heads and a good tune it would be a decent setup..
in my area i would have about 200 into the induction/pcm ect from the sploder to put on the mk7 engine...but with full intent on tuning the auto programming and pats ect out.

 

[fordmike1]

Want to borrow my reading glasses ?

Hell yes send them right over....

 

[Teddyzee]

Anyway...

If you want AC, you'll need Explorer or sn95 Mustang timing cover and water pump from '94/'95 Stang or 5.0 EX, and the ac/ps brackets from same.
Mustang and ex have different brackets and pump, each requiring little mods.

Lincoln engine = Explorer engine, but the cam is slightly better on the exhaust side.

Keep it Ford.

 

[LGM]

Teddyzee,

Thanks for the feed back. I was considering the MKVII cause it was cheap - $250.00 and low miles (less than 40,000.) But, I've been searching for an explorer like you suggested.

By the time I rewire the MKVII, change the front end acessories and covers, I think I could pay a little more for the exploder and get everything I'll need. Including a little tougher rear end. So, I'm searching for a 96' explorer salvage vehicle that I can snag the parts from.

If any of you guys have suggestions to locate such an animal, I'd appreciate it. I don't mind traveling to pick it up... The more I research and think about it, the more enthusiastic I'm getting.

Thanks again,

LGM